Mr Grayling said: "Whilst we know laser pens can be fun and many users have good intentions, some are not aware of the risks of dazzling drivers or pilots putting public safety at risk.

Image:A Virgin Atlantic plane was targeted last year and had to return to Heathrow

"That's why we want to take the common sense approach to strengthen our laws to protect the public from those who are unaware of the dangers or even worse, intentionally want to cause harm.

"This kind of dangerous behaviour risks lives and must be stopped."

Trains are also being increasingly targeted.

Assistant Chief Constable Alun Thomas, from British Transport Police, told Sky News: "Deliberately shining a laser pen or pointer at a train, particularly if a driver is targeted, is extremely dangerous.

"People shining lasers at trains may not think their actions are serious, but they are endangering the safety of train drivers and passengers.

"In 2014 and 2015, we recorded 118 incidents where lasers were shone directly at drivers and any new powers to help us investigate these types of offences and bring those involved to justice would be welcomed."

The powers and penalties for the offence will be outlined in upcoming legislation.

It is not illegal to buy a laser pen and they are easy to get hold of, often used in business presentations, in industry to show specific distances, by people in nightclubs and the military to mark targets at night.